Visirna, an Arrowhead subsidiary, transfers licensing rights for the hypertriglyceridemia treatment candidate Plozasiran to Sanofi within the greater China region.
Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals' RNA Therapeutic Plozasiran Steps Closer to China Market
In a significant development, Plozasiran, an RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutic candidate developed by Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals' subsidiary Visirna Therapeutics, has successfully completed a Phase 3 clinical trial in Chinese patients with familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS). The trial met all primary and key secondary endpoints, paving the way for further development [1][2][3].
Following this success, Visirna submitted a New Drug Application (NDA) for plozasiran to the Chinese regulatory authority, the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), which was accepted in January 2025.
In a strategic move, Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals signed a deal with Sanofi in July 2025, granting Sanofi exclusive rights to develop and commercialize plozasiran in Greater China. Sanofi made an upfront payment of $130 million to Visirna Therapeutics as part of this agreement. This collaboration leverages Sanofi's established presence and expertise in China’s cardiometabolic therapeutic field to advance plozasiran’s development, regulatory pathway, and potential commercialization [1][2][3].
Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, headquartered in the United States, uses a broad portfolio of RNA chemistries and efficient modes of delivery to trigger the RNA interference mechanism for gene silencing. Visirna Therapeutics, a majority-owned subsidiary founded in 2022, focuses on the advancement of siRNA therapeutics for cardiovascular/metabolic, and auto-immune ailments, with a global perspective [1][2][3].
Plozasiran is a first-in-class RNAi therapeutic designed to reduce production of apolipoprotein C-III (APOC3). It has shown potential in studies for treating FCS and severe hypertriglyceridemia (SHTG) [1][2][3].
Under the agreement, Arrowhead retains royalty and milestone payment rights from sales in Greater China. Upon closing of the Asset Purchase Agreement, Visirna will receive an upfront payment of $130 million from Sanofi, and may receive further milestone payments of up to $265 million [1][2][3].
While the regulatory approval and commercial launch of plozasiran in China are yet to be achieved, the collaboration with Sanofi positions it for advancement toward regulatory approval and market entry.
For more information, please contact:
- For investor inquiries, contact Vince Anzalone at Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals or Brian Ritchie at LifeSci Advisors.
- For media inquiries, contact Jacqueline Wickwire at Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals.
[1] Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals. (n.d.). Investor Relations. Retrieved from https://ir.arrowheadpharma.com/
[2] Visirna Therapeutics. (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved from https://www.visirna.com/about-us
[3] Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals. (n.d.). Press Releases. Retrieved from https://www.arrowheadpharma.com/newsroom/press-releases
- The collaboration between Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals and Sanofi, as announced in July 2025, could significantly impact the health-and-wellness sector, especially in the treatment of conditions like familial chylomicronemia syndrome, as it grants Sanofi exclusive rights to develop and commercialize the RNAi therapeutic candidate, Plozasiran, in Greater China.
- The successful completion of Plozasiran's Phase 3 clinical trial in China and the subsequent acceptance of a New Drug Application (NDA) by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) indicate a promising performance for Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals and Visirna Therapeutics in the finance sector, given the potential for strong returns on investment.
- In the cloud and science domains, this milestone marks a pivotal moment for RNA therapies, as the advancement of Plozasiran, a first-in-class RNAi therapeutic, continues to demonstrate its potential in various applications, including the treatment of severe hypertriglyceridemia.
